CVE-2017-8753 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server 2016 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, due to the way that the Microsoft Edge scripting engine handles objects in memory, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability". This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2017-8649, CVE-2017-8660, CVE-2017-8729, CVE-2017-8738, CVE-2017-8740, CVE-2017-8741, CVE-2017-8748, CVE-2017-8752, CVE-2017-8755, CVE-2017-8756, and CVE-2017-11764.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8753 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Edge's scripting engine that affects multiple Windows 10 versions and Windows Server 2016. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability type, which encompasses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The flaw specifically manifests when the Edge browser's scripting engine processes objects in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory objects within the JavaScript engine that powers Microsoft Edge. When the browser encounters specific malicious code sequences, the scripting engine fails to properly validate object boundaries during memory operations, leading to buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. This memory corruption vulnerability operates at the intersection of browser security and operating system privilege levels, as successful exploitation allows execution in the context of the currently logged-in user. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Microsoft Edge is actively used as a browser. Attackers can leverage this flaw through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing emails with embedded web content, or compromised web applications that deliver exploit code. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual user sessions as successful exploitation can lead to persistent access, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within networks. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple Windows 10 releases including the widely deployed Windows 10 1511, 1607, and 1703 versions amplifies its threat potential across enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8753 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed in the August 2017 security bulletin. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious content. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts, while user education programs should emphasize the dangers of visiting untrusted websites. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and maintaining up-to-date antivirus signatures can provide layered defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's relationship to other scripting engine vulnerabilities in the same timeframe underscores the importance of comprehensive security hygiene and regular system updates to protect against similar memory corruption threats.